This invention was first published on Insctructables.com, then on my Coroflot page. The name of the scissors (it should be named for distinction) comes from the country of its origin. The "Swiss Scissors" (CH636039, mentioned in the Instructable) seem to be the closest solution though they do not have any pivoting parts, thus they don't feature the biggest mechanical advantage at the blades tips (just 1:1 all the way). An official PCT International Search Report doesn't mention anything closer than that.

The biggest mechanical advantage at the scissors tips is highly desired in many real-life situations - often there is just no space to move scissors far enough to be physically able to cut something tough, when only the scissors tips can get "there". When the need had been recognized the solution was quite straightforward.

The height of the original cup is 118 mm, diameter of its top is 78 mm, width of the bottom is 46 mm. Vertical angles are 25 deg to vertical (shorter cut, about 4mm offset from the vertical axis of symmetry of the cup) and 18 deg to vertical (longer cut, about 4mm offset from the vertical axle of symmetry of the cup). Sure all these dimensions can vary in quite a wide range. At the same time, it's very important to make the lateral surfaces really flat (using sandpaper as shown in the post can be really helpful in this regard).

To avoid these issues you might check two points:1. The half-knot is tightened in the second (not the first!) from above row of eyelets.2. The loosened segment of the shoelace (shown red in Step 5 of the instructable) should preferably be exactly that - loosened a bit (do not tighten it).Hope this helps.

You can't imagine how eagerly I've waited for this comment (horses do the job perfectly). Actually, I'm surprised it took so much time to appear :-).

A square bottom is not a must. A round bottom cup will also work well. Actually, there is a lot of space for experiments there in this regard. Another aspect to ponder about is the "optimal" size of the cup. I incline to smaller ones as they are easier to hold and to store being quite effective at the same time (especially for smaller receptacles).